Photo: Garrett Aitken / iStock / Getty Images
Davenport, FL - Davenport has launched its first automated school zone speed camera as city officials seek to reduce speeding near students and families.
The camera began operating Monday outside Horizon Elementary School. For the first 30 days, motorists recorded traveling more than 10 mph above the posted school zone speed limit will receive warnings rather than financial penalties.
Once the warning period concludes, approved violations will result in a $100 civil fine. Davenport police said the camera will enforce the speed limit only while the school zone's flashing lights are active.
The system records a vehicle's speed, license plate, location and the time of the potential violation. A Davenport Police Department officer must review the evidence before a warning or notice of violation can be issued to the vehicle's registered owner.
Police Chief Steve Parker said the city moved forward with the program after a traffic study documented nearly 200 vehicles traveling substantially above the posted limit near Horizon Elementary. Some motorists were recorded driving between 25 and 30 mph through the school zone.
Additional signs have been installed to notify drivers that automated speed enforcement is being used. Officials said the program is intended to encourage motorists to slow down and lower the risk of crashes involving children, parents and school employees.
Florida law allows counties and municipalities to use speed detection systems in qualifying school zones. The Davenport violation is a civil traffic matter, not a criminal charge.
Horizon Elementary is currently the only Davenport school covered by the program. Police said cameras could eventually be added near other schools if future traffic studies identify similar speeding concerns.
